Everyone Wins in “Play for 22 Game”

When Muskingum women’s basketball hosted Mount St. Joseph in a non-conference game Wednesday night, the gesture made by the Muskies before tip-off was a true slam dunk.

The University presented a $10,000 check to The Cure Starts Now Foundation in honor of Lauren Hill, a Mount freshman who has garnered national attention by playing in two games for the Lions this season despite battling an inoperable form of brain cancer known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, or DIPG. 

Though Hill was unable to make the trip to New Concord, her presence was certainly felt. 

"She’s just a remarkable young lady and if every one of us could live our life like her we’ll be remarkable people," said Hill’s coach, Dan Benjamin. "She sends her message loud and strong and it’s been a pleasure to be a part of her awareness and coaching a young lady who’s got great heart and character."

In addition to the check, all proceeds from ticket sales and T-shirt sales will be donated to The Cure Starts Now. The game was also dubbed the "Play for 22 Game" in honor of Hill’s jersey number. 

"We just wanted to reach out and give them our support and let them know that right now, we’re behind them," Muskingum coach Beth Fox said. 

When asked if Hill will play again for Mount St. Joseph, Benjamin remained optimistic.

"I think that’s going to be rather tough, but knowing her you never know," he said. "She gets in the gym and (basketball) becomes her drug–her anecdote, so to speak–and gets her adrenaline going and she loves being on the floor."

Muskingum won the game, 64-49. The Muskies are next in action Dec. 3 at Marietta while the Lions take to the floor the same night at Transylvania.